Anderson Has Prepared Himself with Hard Work
Ron Bailey, Publisher
November 17, 2006 – Villanova University sophomore guard/forward Dwayne Anderson has long been known as a hard worker, and has carried the ethic to that Pennsylvania-based institution. His penchant for improvement, coupled with the departure of three high-profile backcourt teammates after last season, could portend major minutes for this 6’5”, 215 pound native of Washington, DC.
“This summer during summer school, I worked really hard” said Anderson via telephone recently. In addition to attending classes and studying hard – that GPA “around a 3.0” is greatly important to him – much of his time was spent “running in the pool, treading water” shadowboxing, and weight lifting to develop overall physical fitness.
Aiding Dwayne Anderson's (seen above) development at Villanova, is the coaching staff. "They are not going to tell you anything different just to make you happy" he said, regarding the staff's honesty. (Picture supplied by Villanova University)
Additionally, Dwayne engaged in copious skill development sessions – including exercises designed to improve footwork and putting up at least “200 shots a day” – as well as summer league games. In the event no summer league competition was scheduled, he would play in open gyms and/or put up more shots at his dorm’s work out facility.
All that effort has displayed early results, as during early season action, Dwayne has surpassed his 2005-2006 statistical output of 1.5 points per game (high of 10, generated in 13 appearances): Versus Holy Family (scrimmage) and Northwood this year, Anderson has generated 14 points (4-5 from three point land), 1 rebound, 2 steals, and 16 points, eight rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, respectively.
Dwayne, always a standout shooter, not only feels his continued work has produced improvement, but so did the experience of playing with Randy Foye, Allen Ray, and Kyle Lowry – the aforementioned Villanova guards who are now playing professionally. “When you are on the court, you can’t show any fear” shared Anderson when asked about specific lessons gleaned from that talented trio. “If you do, they would take advantage of you. On this level, everybody is talented. They helped me mentally”.
In that regard, he feels to be successful on the Big East level, “you have to play hard every possession. It’s important to play to exhaustion”. Anderson feels he has taken giant steps in this this aspect of the game, though he did admit the need to “be more intense” at times.
Dwayne’s overall acclimation to Villanova has gone well, despite his lack of playing time. “I have no regrets, no complaints” he said.
His father feels similarly. “This year, hopefully, we are looking
for him to get some pretty good quality minutes. I think he will contribute
to the program” stated Dwayne Anderson, Sr.
“He still has to put in the work, to get where he needs to get…My
thing is I want loyalty from day one” he said. “So far, they’ve
met all expectations”.